Varanassi, India

Arrived in Varanasi to spectacular views of the Ganges from our hotel rooftop. It really felt as special as people had been telling us, and we were preparing for a nice relaxing couple of days. This however soon changed...

Within a couple of hours of venturing into the town we witnessed a dead monkey, a dead dog, a cow that's insides were falling out, and Becky came close to a mild heart attack as she nearly walked into a man carrying a snake round his neck! Following these incidents, and as Becky's nerves started to calm down, two bulls decided to charge the audience at the sunset ceremony! This was just too much for Becks and led to her running off in the direction least likely to result in death by bull. James on the other hand decided this was a good photo opportunity. Despite Becky's 'run for cover and desperate plea, he was running around after the bull hoping for the perfect photo.

The following day proved less eventful (mainly due to a fear of leaving the hotel) and was started with a 5:30am river boat cruise. Following the people lined ghats, taking in the array of bright colours, smells, and the sound of morning prayer, was the perfect start to any day. We were lucky enough to experience a thunder and lighting storm half way through so witnessed the city in two extremities of weather and atmosphere - bright sunshine and torrential rain (at the same time, depending which way you looked.)

Varanasi was the perfect city to end our India experience. It provided the extremes of India we've encountered the whole time - both horrendous and enjoyable. The beauty of the Ganges accompanied by the moving open crematoriums, somehow made everything we've witnessed here make sense.

Took the overnight train to Delhi to fly to Singapore on the 14th March - in true India style our beds didn't materialise so we spent 17 hours on the floor!